Dear Editor,

Religion and Politics

In the State of Punjab, is religion or freedom at stake? After the political freedom in a pluralistic society of India, the system was devised whereby each individual has a right of freedom of worship according to his personal belief in religion or doctrines.

The economic system of a society is always derived from the total strength of the masses, which are the backbone of the society and work together for the good of the society. Sikh Theologians, who propagate that Sikh religion and politics are inseparable, are not keeping pace with the time. When we talk about Khalistan, would there be monistic society of only those Sikhs who preserve five Kakars? What will happen to those Sikhs who do not keep five Kakars and other members of the society who have different doctrine or faith and to the new generation with modern ideas of a society based on freedom, truth, social and economic justice for all.

True religion never dies, only the false pretensions of the followers have no chance. Basic principles of Sikhism are more than enough to guide the destiny of human race on the earth. To live and let live side by side with the rest of the creation, was always the divine message of God from time to time at each and every stage of the human history.

After the division of Punjab in 1947, the bondage of love and friendship was broken. The fire of religious antagonism was fanned throughout the subcontinent of India. The politicians of the time exploited the religious sentiments of the masses for their selfish motives, material gains and false prestige.

A society based on separation of Church and State has done a great service to mankind. A true democratic system is one where true justice is strong and cannot be bought and sold and people are the masters of their destiny. Political party in power should call a constitutional convention of India for the good of the people; and sooner we get rid of the old system of economic injustice among the masses, better it would be.

 

Karnail S. Mahal,

Oakland. GA.

Article extracted from this publication >>  August 30, 1985